Ecuadorian Tyrannulet

Large black cockatoo with tall rounded crest. Mostly black plumage with red or orange panels on the tail. Female has yellow spots and barring on the chest. Plumage and bill size vary according to subspecies. Often feeds on the ground. Typically occurs in groups or large flocks. Note loud calls from large noisy flocks.

Noisy, long-tailed game bird of tropical forest and edge, usually found in small groups. Endemic to west Mexico. Most often detected by its raucous song, which carries well. Feeds on ground and also high in trees, where runs along branches; eats fruit. For a big bird, can be surprisingly hard to see (wary in areas where hunted), and slips away from view quite easily. The dark rusty belly and tail tips are diagnostic. Inland from Puerto Vallarta, may hybridize with West Mexican Chachalaca.

Tiny woodpecker, common and widespread across much of North America. Black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Focus on the bill: Downy has a very short bill, much shorter than the length of the head. Also note the small black markings on the white outer tail feathers. Pacific population has smaller white spots on the wing and a grayer body than Eastern birds. Occurs in any wooded habitat, though western birds are more restricted to riparian areas. Often forages on smaller branches than Hairy Woodpecker. Familiar visitor to backyard feeders, especially fond of suet. Calls include a soft “pik!” and descending rattle, weaker than Hairy Woodpecker.